Man donates motorcycle for remembrance

A Tifton man who fought for our country in Iraq, continues to give back to his community by donating more than just his time in the Army.

Tifton native Mike “Pops” Purvis still remembers his time in the Iraq War.

“This event means the world to me,” Purvis said, “When we got back from Iraq all I ever wanted to do was take my motorcycle was dedicate it to those guys. I just didn’t know how.”

But almost a decade later Purvis figured out how. He learned the Tifton Terminal Railway Museum would put it on display.

Purvis was in the second 121st infantry, 48th combat brigade of the Georgia National Guard in Iraq. There they worked with Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In 2005 nine of the soldiers he fought with were killed. So he decided to honor them the best way he could, donating his 2004 Harley Davidson that some friends of his decorated when he returned in 2006.

“It just means everything to me, to know that I’m doing something that may end some of the pain that some of us carry knowing that we’re still honoring and loving these guys,” Purvis said.

Vice President of the Tifton Terminal Railway Museum and Former Mayor Jamie Cater accepted the motorcycle on behalf of the museum.

“We’re very fortunate to have wonderful people like Mike Purvis and others that donate gifts so our veterans stay alive in our memories,” Cater said.

Purvis said he hopes those who could not attend today’s event can understand.

“…An appreciation for what people in this country have done for them so they can live in this country free,” Purvis said.

For Purvis, his gift mobilizes remembrance for his battalion and a solemn reminder for visitors.

If you are interested in seeing the motorcycle for yourself, you can go to the Tifton Terminal Railway Museum Thursdays through Saturdays noon to 5.